Brashear holiday assistance program successful, but need continues

The Brashear Association, a South Pittsburgh community service agency, served hundreds of families and children during its recent holiday assistance campaign.

Bolstered an outpouring of community support, the agency was able to provide toys to more than 700 children from many South Pittsburgh neighborhoods. Brashear staff received substantial volunteer support from participants in the Student Conservation Association (SCA), organized by City High student Oliver Lieberman and under the guidance of SCA's Joshua Nard.

Toys were also provided by: Rainy Days Hair Salon; South Side Chamber of Commerce; South Side Community Council; South Side Local Development Company; UPMC Health Plan; UPMC Mercy and South Side; UPMC Presbyterian-Unit 4G; and WQED. Toys were also donated through the Christmas in July Toy Drive. American Eagle, Profitable Practice Strategies, UPMC Mercy at South Side, and several private donors chose to "adopt" individual families with special needs.

The Birmingham Foundation provided significant underwriting of the entire holiday assistance program, allowing the agency to serve more families throughout South Pittsburgh.

Despite the successes of the 2010 Holiday Season, Brashear still works to meet the needs of many low-income families. Toy and food donations are welcomed throughout the year and volunteer support is always needed.

To support the effort and have fun, plan to participate in the South Side Mid-Winter Soup Contest. The contest will take place on Saturday, Feb. 19 from noon until 3 p.m. Visit http://www.southside pgh.com for more information.

For more information on the agency and its programs and services, call 412-431-2236 or visit its website at http://www.brashearassociation. org. The Brashear Association is a United Way Agency; the United Way Contributor Choice Code is 063.